Abstract: A composition containing poly(lactic acid), at least one bacteriocin (e.g., nisin, generally in the form of Nisaplin®), and at least one plasticizer (e.g., lactic acid, lactide, triacetin, glycerol triacetate), and optionally at least one pore forming agent. A method of making the composition, involving mixing about 100% of the total of the poly(lactic acid), about 50% to about 90% of the total of the at least one plasticizer, and optionally at least one pore forming agent at a first temperature of about 150° to about 170° C. to form a mixture, cooling the mixture to a second temperature of about 115° to about 125° C., adding at least one bacteriocin and about 10% to about 50% of the total of the at least one plasticizer and the remainder of the total of the poly(lactic acid) to the mixture and mixing to form the composition.

Abstract: High modulus, flexible films may be fabricated from blend of pectin, poly(vinyl alcohol) and, optionally, plasticizers. The combination of pectin and poly(vinyl alcohol) is advantageous in that pectin increases the biodegradability of poly(vinyl alcohol). In addition, the use of pectin provides effective utilization of an agricultural product.

Abstract: High modulus, flexible films may be fabricated from blends of pectin, starch and, optionally, plasticizers. The films are biodegradable, water soluble and are advantageous in that all materials are derived from agricultural products.

Abstract: A high tenacity fiber for reinforcing plastic composites, the fiber being selected from the group consisting of polyester, aliphatic polyamide, and combinations thereof. The fiber is treated with a composition comprising an aqueous solution of carboxyl-terminated, oil-free alkyd resins based on an aliphatic glycol or glycols or a glycol ether or ethers containing 2 to 12 carbon or carbon plus ether oxygens with a combination of aromatic di- or trifunctional carboxylic acids, said resins having a degree of esterification below the gel point of the resins to enhance stiffness of the fiber for cutting.

Abstract: A high tenacity fiber for reinforcing plastic composites, the fiber being selected from the group consisting of polyester, aliphatic polyamide, and combinations thereof. The fiber is treated with a composition comprising an aqueous solution of carboxyl-terminated, oil-free alkyd resins based on an aliphatic glycol or glycols or a glycol ether or ethers containing 2 to 12 carbon or carbon plus ether oxygens with a combination of aromatic di- or trifunctional carboxylic acids, said resins having a degree of esterification below the gel point of the resins to enhance stiffness of the fiber for cutting.

Abstract: A high tenacity fiber for reinforcing plastic composites, the fiber being selected from the group consisting of polyester, aliphatic polyamide, and combinations thereof. The fiber is treated with a composition consisting essentially of an organofunctional silane in an amount sufficient to achieve 0.02 to 1.0 weight percent of the silane on the fiber, and a diluent which provides for the hydrolysis of the silane to a silanol. The fiber is used to reinforce a plastic composite additionally comprising a resin matrix.

Abstract: A high tenacity fiber for reinforcing plastic composites, the fiber being selected from the group consisting of polyester, aliphatic polyamide, and combinations thereof. The fiber is treated with a composition consisting essentially of an organofunctional silane in an amount sufficient to achieve 0.02 to 1.0 weight percent of the silane on the fiber, and a diluent which provides for the hydrolysis of the silane to a silanol. The fiber is used to reinforce a plastic composite additionally comprising a resin matrix.